Judge Rejects Plea in Mitchell Robbery, Kidnapping Case

A man accused of robbing and kidnapping an elderly man in Mitchell and then leaving him naked in a rural field last year appeared in court on Tuesday.

Marco Sherman, 22, had intended to plead guilty to a charge of kidnapping. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors were prepared to drop other charges, including robbery, against Sherman.

However, when Judge Tim Bjorkman asked Sherman for details about the incident, Sherman said he had problems remembering due to being under the influence of alcohol and LSD that night and morning. Bjorkman told Sherman that he could not accept the guilty plea.

Sherman then attempted to plead no contest. Bjorkman rejected that plea as well due to Sherman’s inability to provide a factual basis.

A jury trial will be held for Sherman, where he will be charged with robbery, kidnapping, and possession of marijuana.

Two others have pleaded guilty in the case, while a fourth suspect is also awaiting trial.